Calusa, Sarasota's newest brewery, plans to open this week

Sarasota County's newest craft brewery, Calusa Brewing Co., plans to open to the public this week after months of work.

(Provided by Calusa Brewing Co.)

Sarasota natives Vic Falck and Geordie Rauch said they got inspired to create a brewery while living in San Diego, a craft beer mecca. They were friends with a California homebrewer, Jason Thompson, and asked him if he'd like to go pro with them. He jumped at the opportunity, the three said today in a phone interview.

Together they created Calusa at 5701 Derek Ave., off Clark Road in Sarasota County, and say its tasting room will open Thursday at noon. The brewery is named in honor of the American Indians who lived here for thousands of years.

"We want to do a bit of a barrel aging program moving forward," Falck said. Their first focus will be on hoppy beers, saisons and sour ales.

Calusa will be open Thursdays from noon to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from noon to midnight and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. For now the beers will only be available on tap and in to-go growlers at the tasting room, Falck said.

I've been watching Calusa's progress and hope to visit soon.

UPDATE: In addition to beer, Calusa also serves wine and coffee, with food provided by local food trucks. Here's their first menu:

Alan Shaw

Alan Shaw has been a fan of craft beer since the 1990s. He is partial to hops and has been an editor at the Herald-Tribune since 1997. He can be reached at (941) 361-4914, by email or mail at 1741 Main St., Sarasota, FL 34236. Follow him at @alancshaw on Twitter and on Facebook.

Last modified: April 27, 2016
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